Thailand wants to foster copperation with Japanese businesspeople

BANGKOK, July 16 (TNA) -- Thailand is willing to strengthen cooperation with Japanese private businesses in foster economic ties of the two nations, says Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. Mr Somkid made the remark during his meeting with Shingo Sato who was recently assumed presidency of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok. In the discussion, Mr Somkid, who oversees economic affairs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment on the ongoing partnership and joint operations with Japanese businesses in Thailand. Sato said he was ready to continue the strong partnership based on mutual benefits. Thailand remained an important base for overseas operations of Japanese firms looking to expand their reaches to CLMV countries, he said. With the view that Thailand is a center for ASEAN linkage, Japanese enterprises in various manufacturing and service sectors are looking at using Thailand as a base for expansion into other ASEAN markets. The Thai government has introduced various programs to facilitate Japanese investment such as business matching for Thai and Japanese SMEs. (TNA)